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Walsh JA, Stamenkovic A, Dawber JP, Stapley PJ. Use of planar covariation in lower limb kinematics to characterize adaptations of running after cycling in elite triathletes. Front Sports Act Living 2023; 4:1047369. [PMID: 36704263 PMCID: PMC9871811 DOI: 10.3389/fspor.2022.1047369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose To characterize alterations of lower limb intersegmental coordination during the acute phase of running after cycling among highly trained triathletes using an analysis of planar covariation. Methods Nine highly trained triathletes completed a control run (CR) and a run after transitioning from cycling exercise (transition run, or TR condition) on a motorized treadmill at a self-selected pace. Sagittal plane kinematics were recorded using a 3D Vicon motion capture system. Intersegmental coordination of the thigh, shank and foot segments of the right lower limb and run loop planarity were calculated during running before cycling and at four different times after the end of cycling. Results PCA showed a significant within-subject phase shift of the run loop planarity (F = 6.66, P = 0.01). Post hoc analysis showed significance median differences increase for u 3t parameter between CRSS vs. TR30 (P = 0.01), TRt1/2 (P = 0.01) and TRMRT (P = 0.01). No difference for u 3t parameter existed between CRSS vs. TRSS. Conclusion Prior variable-cadence, moderate intensity cycling has a significant effect on run loop planarity and therefore intersegmental coordination during the acute transition phase among highly trained triathletes. However, alterations to lower limb coordination are corrected by the 3rd minute after the beginning of the post cycle run. We suggest that planar covariation can be used as a more sensitive measure of cycling-induced variations in running to characterize adaptation in elite and importantly, developing athletes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joel A. Walsh
- Neural Control of Movement Laboratory, School of Medical, Indigenous and Health Sciences, Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Alexander Stamenkovic
- Motor Control Laboratory, Department of Physical Therapy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - James P. Dawber
- Southampton Statistical Sciences Research Institute, Social Statistics & Demography, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Paul J. Stapley
- Neural Control of Movement Laboratory, School of Medical, Indigenous and Health Sciences, Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia,Correspondence: Paul J. Stapley
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Rico Bini R, Canal Jacques T, Hunter J, Figueiredo P. Biomechanical and physiological implications to running after cycling and strategies to improve cycling to running transition: A systematic review. J Sci Med Sport 2022; 25:861-866. [PMID: 35871903 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsams.2022.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Revised: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This systematic review summarises biomechanical, physiological and performance factors affecting running after cycling and explores potential effective strategies to improve performance during running after cycling. DESIGN Systematic review. METHODS The literature search included all documents available until 14th December 2021 from Medline, CINAHL, SportDiscus, and Scopus. Studies were screened against the Appraisal tool for Cross-sectional Studies to assess methodological quality and risk of bias. After screening the initial 7495 articles identified, fulltext screening was performed on 65 studies, with 39 of these included in the systematic review. RESULTS The majority of studies observed detrimental effects, in terms of performance, when running after cycling compared to a control run. Unclear implications were identified from a biomechanical and physiological perspective with studies presenting conflicting evidence due to varied experimental designs. Changes in cycling intensity and cadence have been tested but conflicting evidence was observed in terms of biomechanical, physiological and performance outcomes. CONCLUSIONS Because methods to simulate cycle to run transition varied between studies, findings were conflicting as to whether running after cycling differed compared to a form of control run. Although most studies presented were rated high to very high quality, it is not possible to state that prior cycling does affect subsequent running, from a physiological point of view, with unclear responses in terms of biomechanical outcomes. In terms of strategies to improve running after cycling, it is unclear if manipulating pedalling cadence or intensity affects subsequent running performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo Rico Bini
- Holsworth Research Initiative, La Trobe Rural Health School, La Trobe University, Australia.
| | | | - Jayden Hunter
- Holsworth Research Initiative, La Trobe Rural Health School, La Trobe University, Australia
| | - Pedro Figueiredo
- Portugal Football School, Portuguese Football Federation, Portugal; Research Center in Sports Sciences, Health Sciences and Human Development, CIDESD, Portugal; CIDEFES, Universidade Lusófona, Portugal
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Comparison of Joint Kinematics in Transition Running and Isolated Running in Elite Triathletes in Overground Conditions. SENSORS 2021; 21:s21144869. [PMID: 34300608 PMCID: PMC8309736 DOI: 10.3390/s21144869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Revised: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Triathletes often experience incoordination at the start of a transition run (TR); this is possibly reflected by altered joint kinematics. In this study, the first 20 steps of a run after a warm-up run (WR) and TR (following a 90 min cycling session) of 16 elite, male, long-distance triathletes (31.3 ± 5.4 years old) were compared. Measurements were executed on the competition course of the Ironman Frankfurt in Germany. Pacing and slipstream were provided by a cyclist in front of the runner. Kinematic data of the trunk and leg joints, step length, and step rate were obtained using the MVN Link inertial motion capture system by Xsens. Statistical parametric mapping was used to compare the active leg (AL) and passive leg (PL) phases of the WR and TR. In the TR, more spinal extension (~0.5–1°; p = 0.001) and rotation (~0.2–0.5°; p = 0.001–0.004), increases in hip flexion (~3°; ~65% AL−~55% PL; p = 0.001–0.004), internal hip rotation (~2.5°; AL + ~0–30% PL; p = 0.001–0.024), more knee adduction (~1°; ~80–95% AL; p = 0.001), and complex altered knee flexion patterns (~2–4°; AL + PL; p = 0.001–0.01) occurred. Complex kinematic differences between a WR and a TR were detected. This contributes to a better understanding of the incoordination in transition running.
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Jacques T, Bini R, Arndt A. Running after cycling induces inter-limb differences in muscle activation but not in kinetics or kinematics. J Sports Sci 2020; 39:154-160. [PMID: 32814515 DOI: 10.1080/02640414.2020.1809176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Overuse injuries are a common problem to triathletes' population. Overuse injuries may arise from inter-limb biomechanical differences during running, but the literature lacks information regarding inter-limb differences in triathletes. In this study inter-limb differences were investigated in injury-free triathletes during the running portion of a simulated cycle-run transition. Thirteen triathletes performed a 5 km run preceded by a 20 min cycling trial at 70% of maximal power output. During the Start, Mid and End stages of running, kinetic, kinematic and muscle activation variables were compared between the preferred and non-preferred limbs across the stance phase. A statistical parametric mapping analysis showed no differences between limbs when considering kinetic and kinematic variables (p > 0.05, ES<0.60). A lower soleus activation was observed in the preferred limb (p < 0.05, ES>0.60) from 53.40-75.9% of the stance phase at the End stage of running. In conclusion, inter-limb differences in kinetic or kinematic variables may not represent a risk for overloading in triathletes. However, inter-limb differences in triceps surae activation during running after cycling may represent one potential factor leading to overuse injuries in triathletes and should be further investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiago Jacques
- The Swedish School of Sport and Health Sciences , Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Rodrigo Bini
- La Trobe Rural Health School , Bendigo, Australia
| | - Anton Arndt
- The Swedish School of Sport and Health Sciences , Stockholm, Sweden.,Karolinska Institute , Stockholm, Sweden
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Weich C, Jensen RL, Vieten M. Triathlon transition study: quantifying differences in running movement pattern and precision after bike-run transition. Sports Biomech 2017; 18:215-228. [PMID: 29141506 DOI: 10.1080/14763141.2017.1391324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Various publications discuss the discrepancies of running in triathlons and stand-alone runs. However, those methods, such as analysing step-characteristics or ground-contact time, lack the ability to quantitatively discriminate between subtle running differences. The attractor method can be applied to overcome those shortcomings. The purpose was to detect differences in athletes' running patterns (δM) and movement precision (δD) by comparing a 5,000 m run after a prior cycling session (TRun) with an isolated run over the same distance (IRun). Participants completed the conditions on a track and a stationary trainer, allowing the use of their personal bike to simulate an Olympic triathlon. During each run, three-dimensional acceleration data, using sensors attached to the ankles, were collected. Results showed that both conditions lead to elevated attractor parameters (δM and δD) over the initial five minutes before the athletes found their rhythm. This generates a new perspective because independent of running after a bike session or without preload, an athlete needs certain time to adjust to the running movement. Coaches must consider this factor as another tool to fine-tune pacing and performance. Moreover, the attractor method is a novel approach to gain deeper insight into human cyclic motions in athletic contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Weich
- a Department of Sports Science , University of Constance , Constance , Germany
| | - Randall L Jensen
- b Department of Health, Physical Education & Recreation , Northern Michigan University , Marquette , MI , USA
| | - Manfred Vieten
- c Department of Sports Science , University of Constance , Constance , Germany
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Walsh JA, Stamenkovic A, Lepers R, Peoples G, Stapley PJ. Neuromuscular and physiological variables evolve independently when running immediately after cycling. J Electromyogr Kinesiol 2015; 25:887-93. [PMID: 26542485 DOI: 10.1016/j.jelekin.2015.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2015] [Revised: 08/05/2015] [Accepted: 10/13/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
Abstract
During the early period of running after cycling, EMG patterns of the leg are modified in only some highly trained triathletes. The majority of studies have analysed muscle EMG patterns at arbitrary, predetermined time points. The purpose of this study was to examine changes to EMG patterns of the lower limb at physiologically determined times during the cycle-run transition period to better investigate neuromuscular adaptations. Six highly trained triathletes completed a 10 m in isolated run (IR), 30 min of rest, then a 20 min cycling procedure, before a 10 min transition run (C-R). Surface EMG activity of eight lower limb muscles was recorded, normalised and quantified at four time points. Oxygen uptake and heart rate values were also collected. Across all muscles, mean (± SD) EMG patterns, demonstrated significant levels of reproducibility for each participant at all four time points (α < 0.05; r = 0.52-0.97). Mean EMG patterns during C-R correlated highly with the IR patterns (α < 0.05). These results show that EMG patterns during subsequent running are not significantly affected by prior cycling. However, variability of muscle recruitment activity does appear to increase during C-R transition when compared to IR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joel A Walsh
- Neural Control of Movement Laboratory, School of Medicine, Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, Northfields Ave, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia.
| | - Alexander Stamenkovic
- Neural Control of Movement Laboratory, School of Medicine, Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, Northfields Ave, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
| | - Romuald Lepers
- INSERM U1093 Cognition, Action, et Plasticité Sensorimotrice, Université de Bourgogne, UFR STAPS, BP 27877, 21078 Dijon Cedex, France
| | - Gregory Peoples
- Neural Control of Movement Laboratory, School of Medicine, Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, Northfields Ave, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
| | - Paul J Stapley
- Neural Control of Movement Laboratory, School of Medicine, Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, Northfields Ave, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
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Connick MJ, Li FX. Prolonged cycling alters stride time variability and kinematics of a post-cycle transition run in triathletes. J Electromyogr Kinesiol 2014; 25:34-9. [PMID: 25282575 DOI: 10.1016/j.jelekin.2014.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2014] [Revised: 07/30/2014] [Accepted: 08/21/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous studies have employed relatively short cycling protocols to investigate the effect of cycling on muscle activation and kinematics in running. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of 3h of cycling on stride time variability (STV), stride length, tibialis anterior (TA) activation, and lower limb range of motion (ROM) in a transition run. Eight triathletes completed a run-cycle-run protocol. Data were collected from a pre-cycle run and a transition run after 3h of cycling. STV, stride length and ROM were assessed using three-dimensional motion analysis, and TA activation was recorded using surface electromyography. Results showed that compared with the pre-cycle run triathletes exhibited increased STV (Cohen's d=0.95) and shorter strides (d=0.15) in the transition run (p<0.05). TA activation and ROM did not change. After 10min of transition running, ankle and hip ROM significantly increased (d=0.40 and 0.41 respectively) compared to the beginning of the transition run (p<0.05) but no other changes were observed. The results suggest that locomotor control and kinematics in a transition run are affected by prolonged cycling and stride time variability is potentially a novel method of evaluating the immediate effect of prolonged cycling on the locomotor control of running.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark J Connick
- School of Human Movement Studies, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.
| | - Francois-Xavier Li
- School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Birmingham, UK
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Rendos NK, Harrison BC, Dicharry JM, Sauer LD, Hart JM. Sagittal plane kinematics during the transition run in triathletes. J Sci Med Sport 2013; 16:259-65. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jsams.2012.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2011] [Revised: 04/02/2012] [Accepted: 06/23/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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Díaz V, Peinado AB, Vleck VE, Alvarez-Sánchez M, Benito PJ, Alves FB, Calderón FJ, Zapico AG. Longitudinal changes in response to a cycle-run field test of young male national "talent identification" and senior elite triathlon squads. J Strength Cond Res 2012; 26:2209-19. [PMID: 21997447 DOI: 10.1519/jsc.0b013e31823a3c6b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
This study investigated the changes in cardiorespiratory response and running performance of 9 male "Talent Identification" (TID) and 6 male Senior Elite (SE) Spanish National Squad triathletes during a specific cycle-run (C-R) test. The TID and SE triathletes (initial age 15.2 ± 0.7 vs. 23.8 ± 5.6 years, p = 0.03; V(O2)max 77.0 ± 5.6 vs. 77.8 ± 3.6 ml · kg(-1) · min(-1), nonsignificant) underwent 3 tests through the competitive period and the preparatory period, respectively, of 2 consecutive seasons: test 1 was an incremental cycle test to determine the ventilatory threshold (Th(vent)); test 2 (C-R) was 30-minute constant load cycling at the Th(vent) power output followed by a 3-km time-trial run; and test 3 (isolated control run [R]) was an isolated 3-km time-trial control run, in randomized counterbalanced order. In both seasons, the time required to complete the C-R 3-km run was greater than for R in TID (11:09 ± 00:24 vs. 10:45 ± 00:16 min:ss, p < 0.01 and 10:24 ± 00:22 vs. 10:04 ± 00:14, p = 0.006, for season 2005-2006 and 2006-2007, respectively) and SE (10:15 ± 00:19 vs. 09:45 ± 00:30, p < 0.001 and 09:51 ± 00:26 vs. 09:46 ± 00:06, p = 0.02 for season 2005-2006 and 2006-2007, respectively). Compared with the first season, the completion of the time-trial run was faster in the second season (6.6%, p < 0.01 and 6.4%, p < 0.01, for C-R and R tests, respectively) only in TID. Changes in post cycling run performance were accompanied by changes in pacing strategy, but there were only slight or nonsignificant changes in the cardiorespiratory response. Thus, the negative effect of cycling on performance may persist, independently of the period, over 2 consecutive seasons in TID and SE triathletes; however, improvements over time suggests that monitoring running pacing strategy after cycling may be a useful tool to control performance and training adaptations in TID.
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Affiliation(s)
- Víctor Díaz
- Institute of Veterinary Physiology, University of Zürich and Zürich Center for Integrative Human Physiology, Zürich, Switzerland.
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Spring-mass behavior and electromyographic activity evolution during a cycle-run test to exhaustion in triathletes. J Electromyogr Kinesiol 2012; 22:835-44. [PMID: 22613822 DOI: 10.1016/j.jelekin.2012.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2011] [Revised: 04/18/2012] [Accepted: 04/18/2012] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate spring-mass (SM) behavior and associated electromyographic (EMG) activity during a run to exhaustion following a cycle exercise in trained triathletes. METHODS Ten triathletes completed four tests: a cycling test to determine V˙O(2max); a running test to determine the lactate threshold (LT); a 5 min control run at LT (C-Run) followed after a total recovery period by a cycle-to-run session to exhaustion [30 min of cycling at ∼80% V˙O(2max) followed by a run until exhaustion at LT (T-Run)]. SM behavior and EMG signals in nine lower limb muscles were recorded throughout the running sessions. RESULTS Immediately after cycling, leg stiffness was 12.1% higher than its C-Run value and a concomitant increase of EMG activity of knee extensors was observed during pre-contact. Throughout T-Run, leg stiffness decreased by 7.3%, while knee extensors and ankle flexors activities decreased during pre-contact and braking phases. No significant variations in SM parameters and no significant increase of muscle activity were reported between C-Run and the end of T-Run. CONCLUSION SM behavior during the cycle-run test was consistent with EMG activity changes. Cessation of exercise was not associated with significant alterations of stiffness values and EMG activity.
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